AN: Hello! I hope you all had a good holidays or just a chill couple of months, I am SO sorry for the delay to this chapter, I've just been on a mental roller coaster for the past couple of months and I just didn't have any time to get around to making this. But here we are finally to start off the new year with a chapter before I go another entire month without posting. I hope you all enjoy, please R&R and share your thoughts!
Spyro was stirred awake when he felt the warmth of Cynder now vacant from beneath his wing, his eyes refocusing to find himself on their balcony…the memory came abruptly back. Yes…they'd watched the sunrise together again, the cool morning air brushed over his purple and gold scales, a smell of spice on the air.
Today was a new day.
His gaze turned to the city and he could only take note of the new feeling within the city, an air of actual happiness now. He could see groups of dragons going about their business throughout the city…he felt a sense of pride about him at seeing the spectacle. It still felt like the city was lacking in numbers, but this was a massive step in the right direction for Warfang and the dragon race itself. Spyro remembered his promise to Ignitus, to help the dragon race however he could before his duty was done, a duty that would never truly end until the time was right. Deep down though, he knew he'd have to keep acting on behalf of their kingdom for many years to come. Between years and years worth of training, duties to oversee, people to protect and keep safe…would he ever truly know peace?
But today was not to be one of distress and anxiety.
Today was about Cynder.
He remembered the list Galacion had given him the prior afternoon, marking well the ideas the ice dragoness had offered. Most of the ideas were a bit out of his knowhow to make happen…a moonlit song and dance with a hired mole band? Many other items on said list shared a similar overly romantic corniness to them. A few stood out to him…much more feasible to his mind and how he could pull it off.
When did she even make this list? He could only wonder as he read from the list in his leather pouch on his side, making sure Cynder wasn't able to see it if she came back to the balcony. He could hear some water running, likely she was cleaning herself up some.
The first idea on the list which seemed rather sound to him was a romantic picnic dinner in the Warfang park around the tower's base. He could do that! He just had to make it a surprise for Cynder. One of the ideas labeled as 'precursor ideas' was a trip around the various shops in Warfang's market district. Perhaps his favorite idea was where she wrote down the mention of stargazing.
He and Sparx had always done the tradition of watching the sun rise, perhaps he'd start a new tradition with Cynder. Something they could call their own to enjoy and remember on.
He had a general idea of what he wanted to do with Cynder, tucking the list away sight in his satchel. He'd rise up from his laying position, approaching the washroom- giving a gentle knock with a forepaw.
"Cynder?" He'd ask quietly, earning a tired yawn from the other end.
"Yes?" He'd hear from the other side of the door, past the sound of the running water.
"I've got some things to discuss with the guardians, I just remembered only a few moments ago." Spyro frowned, he had never been a good liar- but he could only hope it was innocent sounding enough.
"That's alright, when will you be free? Do you need me to come along as well?" She asked, which had the purple dragon pondering the question for a moment.
"No- they just asked for me, something relating to my training, I think they're trying to set me up with Magnacia as my new tutor for fire…want to meet up with me in the market district an hour past noon?" He asked, only hearing the running water from the other side before finally she'd speak up.
"Sure thing, I'll see you later then!" He was startled as the door opened following her sentence, the black dragoness leaning in to nudge his muzzle with her own, a kind smile on her face as she pecked him a kiss. He just sighed before pulling away, giving a quick nod.
"I'll see you then, love you. Sparx!" He called over, waking the dragonfly up from his slumber.
"Gah! What's the big idea?!" Sparx grumbled as he nearly fell from his perch above the fireplace.
"Come on, we're meeting with the guardians- they requested my presence and I know better than to leave you alone for too long." Spyro smirked, earning an eyeroll from Sparx.
"Yeah, I need to be watched. Just remember that I was the one who wanted to stay in the swamp but decided to chase after your big purple tail-end!" Sparx countered, darting after Spyro- but before the two could make it out the door, Spyro glanced back to the washroom door.
"Love you..." He said simply, a bit more quietly now- she wouldn't have heard the purple dragon utter the words in return, but he meant them with all his heart. And with that, the purple dragon and dragonfly would depart from the suite.
Such an alien concept to Spyro- having someone he could exchange those words with that wasn't his surrogate brother and parents…someone who had earned his love, his respect, his affection…his loyalty. Through words and action, not unconditionally like his parents.
It was a feeling he all to much enjoyed…a feeling he wanted to repay, thus why he entertained Galacion's ideas.
Almost immediately, Sparx caught onto the fact Spyro had them heading in the direction of the market district…not the guardian tower. The Dragonfly being left to wonder why they had changed heading…then it dawned on him.
Spyro never just did something without a plan in mind…bad plans or good. He'd seen it so many times now. Munitions Forge, Concurrent Skies, the Well of Souls, and most recently…the Belt of Fire. All times where Spyro charged off with either a well laid out plan or what could only be described as the most reckless and badly made plan possible.
He was thankful at least his purple surrogate brother wasn't dragging him off to mortal danger and peril…yet.
"We're…not goin' to the guardian tower, are we?" Sparx asked, giving Spyro a pointed look as they flew past several buildings, the market district growing closer.
"Nope…I'm here early to find a gift for Cynder…and put an array of food together." Spyro would comment softly, trying to not give Sparx too much to latch onto, but it wasn't very successful as Sparx's gaze seemed to downturn a little.
"You mean you woke me up just to go shopping? And it's just to do with Cynder? Come on bro…you don't need me for that!" Sparx protested, doing his best to get out of this.
"You don't have to stay the whole time…I just need your help with this part. I've never gone on a date before, and I could use all the help I can get without her finding out…that means you." Spyro glanced over at Sparx as they'd land in the market.
"A date of all things…you're already smooching and living together, why go on a date? Seems you've gotten past the point of needing those." Sparx whined, ever trying to keep himself out of Spyro and Cynder's love life and failing to do so as Spyro insisted on dragging him along.
"Please, Sparx? I just need some help…sometimes a second pair of eyes is just enough." Spyro asked sincerely, stopping to turn his amethyst gaze to his dragonfly brother.
Sparx just rolled his eyes.
"Alright stop with the sappy eyes…fine. But I'm not gonna like it." Sparx hovered along with Spyro as he gave his brother a quick smile before turning his attention to the first shop on his destination list: 'Illustrious Crafts', the gray sign greeting them. The two brothers could already see the glint and sparkling beauty of crafted jewelry awaiting them inside.
"Hoo boy…you're gonna make us look at jewelry…great." Sparx huffed, Spyro ignoring his brother's protests as they'd enter the store, the mole named Ders standing at the counter- giving an overjoyed look as he spotted the purple dragon entering his store!
"Bless me- the purple dragon! Here in my store! It's one thing to get a visit from one of the great heroes, but now to have both of them make a visit to my store, well- it can be nothing short of good fortune! Come…come…what can I get you good sir?" He'd ask, standing and bowing before the purple dragon.
"Errr…hello…sorry, Cynder came in here?" Spyro asked, glancing around at the selection available.
"Aye she did m'lord, I gave her the set of silver emerald inlayed jewelry. The bracelets, anklets, and tail ring." He nodded, smiling up at the dragon and dragonfly.
"I see…well, I did want to come in here and find her a gift but if she's already been in here…" He frowned, almost defeated sounding.
"Nonsense good sir! The set did miss out on neck jewelry, perhaps that would interest you? A fine necklace for a lovely lady goes far!" Ders clasped his tiny hands together.
"Well…I suppose it couldn't hurt." Spyro's smile returned, the mole turning to lead him to their necklace selections.
"Splendid! Also in case the lady Cynder didn't tell you, my cousin who works at the forge has a gift of his own for you…but for now, onto browsing!" Ders said gleefully.
"The forge? I'll have to take time to visit soon." Spyro nodded, following after Ders.
"This is gonna be expensive…isn't it?" Sparx asked, getting a warning glance from Spyro as to not be rude in the mole's store.
"Now I have just the idea for lady Cynder if you wanted to talk potentially having something edited for her." Ders led the purple dragon and dragonfly along further into the shop.
The city was in great talks as news from the guardian tower began to spread…talks of the election's results as dragons had come from across the city, begrudgingly of course…many just wished to get more rest after the long flight from Magnacia's sanctuary…but it wasn't to be for now. There were democratic matters which had to be handled and the new council needed to be elected. Now. Not later.
Cynder and several others of their group stood in witness as the votes passed through their ballots, old and young dragons casting their votes for the positions up for grabs. Cynder knew who would win in each position…as if it was even a debate. But still, she found it fascinating to watch dragons vote all the same.
When time came for the ballots to be counted, those gathered waited there for several long minutes…until finally, Terrador stepped forward.
"Where's Spyro?" Granite asked, earning an agreeing nod from Storm and Eletara. Flame and Ember were on Cynder's other flank but were paying more attention to the vote itself for now, Emera silent and complacent…not really interested but still she bore witness for the sake of being seen. Galacion however paid special attention to the conversation Granite had drummed up, Ignius silently watching on her flank now, as if deep in thought.
"He said he had matters to handle with the guardians earlier this morning…I'm supposed to be meeting him in the market a little past noon, I'm not sure why." Cynder shrugged…but Galacion could only conceal a giddy smile as she knew all too well what Spyro was currently up to.
"Ooh! I think Terrador is about to announce the ballot winners!" Eletara said quietly, the others quickly silencing themselves as they'd lean in to listen.
Terrador would clear his throat, getting everyone's attention now as he stood forward.
"Citizens of Warfang, today we come together for the first time to announce the reunification of the Council of Warfang…something which has not happened since the beginning of the old war against the Dark Master. One position has already been filled, that being the position of the council's elder, Ler, under judgement that she'll fit the role well and was a key addition before the vote came to order…now then, let us continue with the announcements." Terrador would speak in his deep baritone, shifting some papers around with his right forepaw.
"By overwhelming votes, the new Guard Captain of Warfang shall be…" He'd read the list's first line. "Ulris…may the new captain serve this great city well!" Terrador bellowed out, several loud voices giving their agreement. "It is no secret that Ulris' name became well known during the war, even before the Year of the Dragon, when they and the Warfang Guard held the city against impossible odds."
"I only did my duty then…and I'll only ever do my duty to Warfang now…but thank you for your confidence in me." Ulris bowed his head.
"Next…for the position of the General to lead the martial forces of the dragon kingdom…Rhadal, veteran of the Farisso Fields and Hero of the Battle of Lumani Island. May he serve the realm well in this position." Terrador finished, giving his old friend a smile, as Rhadal stood forward, bowing his head to the crowd.
"Hard times lay ahead of us, but my first act as General shall be the reforming of the Dragon Vanguard, to serve as the militant arm of the dragons once more should anyone ever threaten our kingdom again!" Rhadal spoke in his gravelly voice.
"As if there was a doubt those two would win their positions…this isn't much of a vote until the next time the council comes together to reorganize, and a new generation comes forth." Galacion rolled her eyes, bored with the pomp to the ceremony…but still, this was her area of study and she'd learn it well.
Cynder noticed Tempest and Nix step forward now, the final line coming on Terrador's list.
"And for the position of Regent of Warfang, acting on behalf of all of the city's affairs and effectively helping co-lead the council alongside the guardians…in a close vote, Nix shall take up the title." Terrador turned to Nix now, Tempest's shoulders slumping ever so slightly, but smiling in favor of her colleague.
Cyril looked all too cheery about the decision…Volteer gave his friend and colleague a sideways glance, as if displeased by his smugness over Nix winning the vote.
"As former Chief-diplomat, and now standing Regent of Warfang, I'll do everything in my power to ensure the city flourishes once more! Trade will soon be resumed, commerce will flow again, and with some diplomatic negotiations the city shall be restored once more!" Nix claimed triumphantly, earning an equally triumphant cheer from the crowd.
Eletara gave her mother a pitying look, knowing that it took a lot of personal bravery from her mother to try and step forward for the position.
"Please clear the chambers…Magnacia, please remain behind, we need to speak further in the inner chamber." Terrador would wave his wing towards the door, an almost mournful look crossing his expression now. It had Cynder raising a brow out of concern for the earth guardian as he turned to enter the inner chamber past the large doors leading further into the hall. Many dragons began clearing out, but Cynder refused to leave…not just yet.
She had to know why Terrador looked that way.
"Flame, Ember, and Ignius please meet me and Terrador at the training grounds in an hour." Volteer spoke up now, getting the attention of the three young fire dragons before he'd depart with Tempest and the others in the crowd.
"The training grounds?" Ember asked nervously.
"Likely to assess Magnacia's training she's given us…it's nothing to worry about Ember." Flame comforted her, she only nodded in response, understandingly.
"He's right- likely they're just sizing up potential guardian apprentice candidates…best go freshen up some before we make our way there." Ignius stated calmly, departing from the council chambers now. Flame and Ember would soon leave together, both internally questioning what would come to pass at the training grounds.
Galacion, Storm, and Eletara weren't long behind with Emera following up, though she gave a curious glance to Cynder and Granite as they hadn't budged yet.
"Cynder? Granite? Are you coming?" Emera asked, giving the black dragoness a curious look.
"Not just yet…you all go on ahead of me." Granite gave Cynder an understanding nod. He too was curious.
"Alright, meet us in the market like I told you for lunch!" Emera smiled and gave them both a wave of her wing.
Cynder's gaze remained locked on the door which Magnacia and Terrador had vanished behind…and her paws began moving closer to it as if on their own agenda.
"Cynder…what do you think?" He'd ask quietly, following the black dragoness as they slowly approached the door together.
"I think Terrador is hiding something…something he's afraid for anyone else to hear. I shouldn't pry…but he told us no more secrets, and I want to know what's going on with him and Magnacia." Cynder said sternly, both of them nearly pressing into the door now before they thought about their current predicament.
"The door was designed to be soundproof likely…I could take in through the earth to hear a little better but Terrador might detect me if I did so." Granite frowned.
"Don't worry…I'll handle it and tell you what I know once I cross back over, just wait here." Cynder said firmly, before the earth guardian witnessed her vanish into a pool of black mist in the floor, seeping under the door effortlessly!
"Handy trick." He smiled, watching Cynder make use of her shadow powers.
On the other side, Cynder was greeted with a dimly lit antechamber which was rightfully sealed off- it was likely meant for silent deliberation with the council, even past the actual council chambers as to avoid potential political rivals listening in…but Cynder wasn't one and she merely wished to know what was weighing on the earth guardian's mind.
"-the position was Ignitus' position…my husband, Terrador!" She heard Magnacia as she came into listening range, seeing their silhouettes striking against the wall now from the dim candle lighting.
"I know Magnacia, he was my best friend and I'm going to mourn him for years to come…do you think this easy for me? To offer the position of fire guardian to his widow?" Terrador asked stiffly, causing Cynder to go rigid…at the mention of Ignitus and the position of fire guardian.
"This doesn't feel right Terrador…going behind others' backs to discuss filling his position as if it were that easy." Magnacia said woefully, Cynder's heart starting to beat a little faster now.
"It will never feel right…the time will never feel balanced…but we need a fire guardian Magnacia. The guardians are still needed, and the laws of the order dictate we cannot function without a guardian in every role, lest we be disbanded for good." Terrador let out a heavy sigh which even Cynder could practically feel.
"…and what about Spyro?" Magnacia asked, causing Cynder's blood to go deathly cold, with the purple dragon crossing her thoughts now regarding the matter.
"He likely won't take it well…but if I approach him soon enough with this, the shock may yet be lessened." Terrador tried to sound a little more confident, but Cynder could almost see through even now…he hated every moment of this. "We cannot let Spyro's feelings dictate the matter of the fire guardian's vacancy…please Magnacia…stand with us and help train the next fire guardian to take up the mantle."
"I fear he already suspects you're trying to replace Ignitus, Terrador, if he learns you are behind his back, it could cause a rift to form between him and the guardians. Such a division would only weaken the cause of Warfang, strengthening opposition against the guardians. You know as well as I that not all dragons who find their way back to the city are going to be in full agreement with the order's decision of who has taken up position in the council." Magnacia responded to Terrador now.
"Maybe you're right…but still so soon after Ignitus' passing, there will never be a good time. We cannot wait for the next week, the next month…year…decade. We need the guardians to be whole again. Now. Not later. Now! If what you say is true, then we need to present the council's opposition with a whole order…and a fire guardian must be present to train the next guardian apprentice. If your training regime later shows in any of the three fire dragons you brought with you…Ember, Flame, Ignius…then it shows me us you can be the temporary guardian to follow Ignitus and train the successor." Terrador finished his monologue…every word had Cynder waiting in anticipation for the next.
Cynder waited on bated breath as she waited for Magnacia to speak again, wondering what she would say in response…she almost expected her to turn down the offer and request from Terrador.
"…alright. But you cannot let anyone else except the guardians know just yet. There are matters which must be attended before such knowledge becomes public." Magnacia would finally respond. Cynder felt as if a rock had formed in her stomach, as if she knew forbidden knowledge.
In a way she did.
"I don't like keeping this from Spyro for long…Ignitus was like a father to him, Ignitus always felt responsible for Spyro ever since his real parents brought his egg to the temple…and when they never came forward to claim his egg as their own before his hatchday." Terrador said solemnly…Cynder felt as if she'd collapse.
"When will you make it official?" Magnacia asked.
"In three days time at Ignitus' funeral, but tonight after the celestial moons have risen, we have our own ceremony planned. Meet us at the guardian towers then." Terrador affirmed.
Cynder now not only knew knowledge of Magnacia taking the mantle as fire guardian, even if it was only until a true fire guardian apprentice could take the mantle…but now regarding Spyro's true parents. She had never heard Spyro speak of them if he was ever interested in knowing who they were. He only ever addressed Flash and Nina when the matter of his childhood family came up.
She wondered if Spyro was simply trying to suppress the idea that he didn't know who his true biological parents were. Maybe he was…she didn't know right now, but she felt as though she had already learned too much. Before anything else could be said, Cynder would quickly turn back to the door, vanishing beneath it as she evaporated into shadows, rematerializing on the other side.
Granite took quick note of her distressed look, placing a paw on her shoulder.
"Cynder? What happened? What were they saying?" He asked quickly, trying to regain her attention. She turned her emerald gaze to his once more, trying to shake it off.
"Magnacia…they plan to make her the new fire guardian…" Cynder clutched her head some…trying to come to terms with everything.
"Fire guardian? So soon? They must have a lot of faith in her to take over…but that's all? Nothing else?" He asked…she half considered telling him about the matter of Spyro's parents, but the thought of the purple dragon reminded her that she would soon be running late. "You look distressed Cynder."
"No…nothing else…and I'm fine Granite, just…this is all too sudden. Please…just, can you keep this to yourself? I need to go find Spyro, it's almost time to meet him in the market district. We'll talk about this with the others when I get the chance." Cydner would start towards the chamber doors leading back outside of the tower.
"Alright…just be careful Cynder…I'll see you and Spyro soon." Granite would say before he turned to fly back towards the residential district, Cynder taking off towards the markets…a lot on her mind.
Spyro took note of the sundial in the market district, noting the time…he also took note of the bustle growing in the city, especially in the market, he knew that the vote must have concluded. Cynder would be by soon, she had told him the previous day after their tour with Flame and Ember that she wished to view the proceedings. Spyro had intended to take part in watching…but he wished to commit to preparing this date, which meant having the element of surprise on his side.
If only he knew what had happened following the proceedings.
Sparx hovered by his side, closing the lid of the basket Spyro had gotten and filled with various items, giving Spyro an incredulous look.
"And I'm supposed to get this all the way to the park? Well…at least it isn't far." Sparx huffed, rubbing his hands together.
"If you don't think you can make it with the basket I'll go with you." Spyro offered, but the dragonfly shook his head.
"I got this…I got this!" Sparx grunted as he flapped his wings rapidly, hands grabbing the basket tightly as he lifted with all his strength. Some ultimately doubted the ability a dragonfly possessed…they looked small but like some insects they could carry quite a bit more than their own bodyweight. He was struggling to hold the basket up, but thankfully Spyro hadn't crammed it full to the point it was too much for Sparx.
"You sure?" Spyro asked as Sparx slowly got the basket off the ground, heaving it as high as her could.
"Yes! Now you go buy me some time with some shopping and I'll get things set up." Sparx groaned. "The things I do for you…" He carried the basket away…right in the nick of time too as just a few minutes after the dragonfly managed to carry the basket out of open view from his position, Spyro spotted the black dragoness approaching.
He smiled as Cynder landed, the two closing the distance as they momentarily embraced each other in a quick nuzzle.
"Hey…so how'd the vote proceedings go?" Spyro asked, doing his best to ignore the possibility Sparx may still be visible. Thankfully, if he was, Cynder made no mention of it.
"Pretty much a clean sweep of what you predicted. Ulris and Rhadal will take up position as Captain and General, Nix won the vote for Regent…but it was a closer vote than we earlier anticipated." Cynder caught him up to speed, the two turning and walking towards the shops. "Where's Sparx?" She asked.
"Really? Well- I'd say that's good…if it was a complete landslide, that would mean the odds of getting competition in the future to said positions will be light. Also, Sparx said he wanted to explore the city some more on his own." He answered her question, trying to deflect anything else about the dragonfly.
"Did the guardians make any mention of diplomats from the atlawa and manweersmalls?" He asked, the two passing Fitwo's and in particular the jewelry shop which Spyro did his best to avert his gaze from as they passed- going first to a mole trinket shop he had taken note of before.
"Briefly, they made mention that envoys were coming…potentially Mole-yair and Kane. Prowlus' wife Maiev planned to come to Warfang to help oversee the talks as to help settle terms between our people and their own. If the talks go well, both will lend their aid to restoring Warfang." Cynder said as they both pressed into the shop.
Inside it was lined with trinkets and such of various purpose and design. From eyeglasses for moles who had worsened sight, clocks, varying devices…but in particular, Spyro felt his gaze drawn to rows of simple but elaborate toys.
He had no true interest in them of course, but he couldn't deny that they looked capable of keeping the younger childhood version of himself entertained for many hours. Cynder noted his gaze and gave him a curious brow.
"In the market for toys, Spyro?" She asked with a slight grin, to which he shook his head.
"No…I was just thinking these would have been the envy of any dragonfly children, myself includes, if we had anything like it growing up." Spyro noted.
"I guess life in the swamp would be far simpler than anything which happens here." Cynder would study some of the lined up toys as well, made from wood or simple thin metal. In particular, she spotted a tiny mole-sized drum with two strings attached to a pair of wooden spheres- a written piece of parchment labeled 'Rattle Drums'. She was amused at how such a simple thing could keep the entertainment of a child for long.
Then her mind wandered to how she would have viewed such a thing as a child…had she been given a normal life.
She quickly shook off that thought, not wishing to dampen spending time with Spyro. She knew such things could not be forgotten overnight, it would take years of mental therapy to truly come to terms with her newfound freedom.
With Spyro at her side however, that goal was growing more and more likely with each passing day.
"Yeah…I'm sorry, I thought I'd try my hand at shopping with you but I have to admit, I don't have an interest in it like Galacion and Eletara." Spyro said with a sheepish smile. Cynder just leaned in and pecked a kiss on one of his cheeks.
"The fact that you're just trying to spend time with me is good enough…Galacion told me that shopping doesn't just mean buying things. It's just a way to spend time while perusing. I know you're not used to this kind of thing…but it means a lot that you're willing to try." Cynder smiled at the purple dragon. "Would you rather get lunch instead?" She asked.
"That sounds like a good idea, yeah." Spyro smiled, earning an agreeing look from Cynder as they turned to depart from the tinkering shop. The purple dragon was doing everything he could to stall for time so Sparx could get everything set up in the park before the evening rolled in.
"I think Granite and Emera are meeting in the market for lunch soon, maybe they'll be open to the idea of company joining them?" Cynder rubbed her chin some as they left the store.
"Maybe, but if they aren't I'm sure we can still get a quick meal from Fitwo's." Spyro said cheerfully.
They passed by a few other shops along the way to Fitwo's, even passing by the tailor shop Cynder had visited with Galacion and Eletara on their little shop tour they went on before their mission which led them to Magnacia's settlement.
Soon enough they'd find themselves approaching Fitwo's restaurant, several dragons from the proceedings at the guardian tower had found their way to the place, including a familiar pair of earth and electricity dragons as well as Galacion sitting together.
Even before Spyro and Cynder began their approach, they could see Granite open one of his massive wings in invitation.
"Spyro! Cynder! Come, join us!" He said in a welcoming tone, the two younger dragons arriving to the table where the others were sat down around.
"We didn't want to intrude just in case." Cynder said softly, her eyes finding Granite's golden ones as they silently recognized each other and what happened at the tower…keeping what they had learned to themselves for now.
"Intrude? Hardly. We were just discussing some thoughts on the vote proceedings before we got here." Emera smiled, giving a side glance to Granite and receiving one in return before they averted their gazes back to the others.
"Where's Flame and Ember? Ignius? I would have thought you'd be all too eager to have them join us for lunch." Spyro noted the lack of the trio of flame dragons.
"After the votes finished, Magnacia asked that they meet her and Terrador in the training district- maybe there's still an intact dojo they plan to use." Storm looked up from his fish which he was enjoying with Eletara.
"Yes, she was quite insistent that they meet there. I was half tempted to go and see what they had in the works since they hardly made it private." Galacion looked up from their meal now. Spyro gave a simple nod, seemingly content with their answer.
"I'm surprised you didn't go to watch Ignius' training." Eletara said with a snicker, earning another icy glare from Galacion.
"Not this again." Galacion huffed, Eletara smirking in response.
"Ah give it a rest. I say we use this meal to celebrate a job well done, we brought so many dragons to Warfang and now the city's council is reformed once again. If you ask me, this is a step in the right direction to return things to the way they were before the old war began…or at least, a resemblance of normalcy." Granite stated cheerfully, though deep down he wondered if he could ever truly know the meaning of normalcy.
"Hear, hear!" Storm agreed, draping a wing over Eletara's back.
Spyro smiled in response to the prospect, but he was still in a similar position as Granite…he'd never seen what normal looked like for the old dragon kingdom. Time would tell and Spyro would have to take their word for it when the time came…he then remembered his place with the dragons.
Perhaps with some effort on his part, he could help make it a better place than it was before.
Something for another time, he turned his amethyst gaze to Cynder, and she met his with those pretty emerald eyes…smiling back at him.
That gave him some a quick shot of hope. Working alongside Cynder, maybe that was more possible than they all realized. They'd saved the world together after all…they could do a lot when in sync.
Maybe that would be enough.
For now, he was sharing a meal with her and their friends…and that would be enough...he hoped.
Hours passed by, Spyro and Cynder had separated from Granite and the others following lunch on their continued journey through the market. They had even taken a detour to the academy district and found a dojo where Magnacia and Terrador were observing Flame, Ember, and Ignius' training.
It had been impressive to say the least.
Spyro observed the trio fighting the magically infused training dummies, shaped like apes but little more than hay and some wood lined with clothing and armor. Terrador and Magnacia stoically observed the three as they deconstructed the dummies in their own individual ways.
Ember was perhaps the most unique, despite her smaller size than most other female dragons- she was rather good at holding her ground. The pink dragoness was hard to hit, dodging and weaving between the dummies like she was made of fluid, similarly to how Spyro had seen Cynder avoid taking hits in the past. Her strikes and breath attacks weren't anything out of the norm for a fire dragon though- Spyro and Cynder deciphered that she was less of a fighter than the other two.
Ignius fought in an extremely traditional manner, using his wings to block attacks from the dummies before delivering a powerful counterattack. The old ways Ignitus had called it, when they first met and reclaimed the old temple. He used his mind to fight carefully and efficiently. Strike, block, breath attack, repeat.
Time would tell how alike he and Ignitus were.
Flame was…interesting. He revealed his bruiser build rather quickly. He wasn't as good at blocking attacks, rather he was adept at simply brushing off attacks before delivering rather harsh counterattacks. However, what caught his attention was when Flame let out his fire breath…it was less like usual fire and more like a brutal inferno every time he let out his inner flames.
What was most fascinating is when Flame took a rather hard-struck hit, and out of anger bellowed out another wave of fire that flickered blue and violet! It burned so hot that the dummies continued to stay lit up far longer than Ember and Ignius' dummies when lit on fire.
"So that's his gift from the Year of the Dragon…his fire burns hotter than others." Cynder said finally, earning a nod from Spyro.
"I wonder if he could manage a full torrent of blue fire." Spyro wondered aloud. "But it looks like he can only manage it when he gets mad during a fight- see his muscle tension? It usually only happens when tensions rise in a fight…he'll need to learn how to control it." Spyro would point out to Cynder.
"Maybe you could help him learn to do so?" Cynder asked, earning a perked brow from Spyro.
"And not whoever becomes the next tutor and mentor to fire dragons?" Spyro asked, earning a serious look from Cynder now.
"Spyro, love, you're one of the last dragons to train under Ignitus…that means a lot. He was trained in a near bygone way and passed those lessons onto you. Fire was the first element you learned and he helped you learn the old ways of fighting with the dragon vanguard. You may see some humor in it…but I'm dead serious." Cynder gave him a meaningful look.
"Maybe…let me think about it, maybe I'll go to the guardians about it as well as Magnacia…perhaps they'd appreciate that." He said, rubbing his chin now. "For now…looks like they'll be at this for a while yet…come on, I heard the park is nice this time in the evening before nightfall."
"The park…alright." Cynder smiled, turning to leave with Spyro now as the two departed from the overlook in the dojo. The group actively making use of it would still be here for some time before they dismissed Flame, Ember, and Ignius.
Spyro led Cynder through the streets into the park, the black dragoness just silently following along…starting to notice it was as if Spyro was leading her somewhere with a purpose. She'd started to suspect as much as she noted how unlively the park actually was this evening.
And soon enough…she knew why Spyro had been going from one subject to another today.
When they came close to the fountain in the park, she was greeted to the sight of a large blanket rolled out with a wicker basket set up nearby. Sparx was hovering with his arms crossed, a pleased expression adorning his face.
"Surprise…my bleeding-heart romantic brother arranged this…even though I did the heavy lifting. Goodbye and you're welcome!" Sparx would give a two finger salute before darting off, now finally free of the two of them and leaving them to their own devices…freedom at last for the dragonfly.
"Hah…well…yeah." Spyro glanced over at her to gauge her reaction.
"Spyro…you didn't have to do any of this!" Cynder smiled broadly, going over to the blanket now as she studied their position, next to a tree but not concealed beneath it with an open view of the dark blue sky above as the sun slowly crept towards the edge of the horizon as the day turned late.
The basket smelled heavenly…the black dragoness' stomach rumbled, eager for dinner…but all that was on her mind right now was the purple dragon who gave her a sheepish smile.
"Galacion told me I should take you on a date…she gave me some ideas and…here we are. I'm sorry if it's not much…I've never taken anyone on a date. And…I've never had anyone to take on a date." Spyro rubbed one of his shoulders with a paw, grazing over his scales.
Cynder closed the distance to him, leaning in as she stole a kiss from the purple dragon now, their eyes sealed shut as they embraced one another. Spyro let out a heavy sigh into the kiss, Cynder slowly sliding a paw over Spyro's fin between his horns. When she pulled away, Spyro was left swooning a little, somewhat kiss drunk as she tilted her head against his some so their eyes continued to meet.
"This is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me…which is to say, there's not been many sweet moments, but this tops them all so far." Cynder smiled, tracing her claws over his scales so delicately.
"It's not bad then?" He asked nervously.
"Bad? Spyro, I was never given chances to just do normal things like this. It may seem small to you, but to me it's the first time anyone's ever done something just for the sake of surprising me…spending time with me…that's what I love about you. You think of others before yourself and it shows." She smiled, finally peeling away as she goes to sit down on the blanket, leaving enough room for him.
He'd go to the basket, lifting it open to retrieve what looked like a small vase, a glass bottle, and two drinking glasses of dragon size. Some forgot that dragons lived noble lives which meant having glasses and cups to drink from similarly to what moles drank from.
"I got water…but Galacion suggested trying wine for once and give an actual drink a try…I've never tried it before." He chuckled.
"Neither have I…pour me some?" She asked, shifting so she was sitting down on her haunches some. The purple dragon would tilt the dark glass bottle down, red liquid filling her glass – only halfway though. Galacion's notes told him to only pour a little for both the sake of drinking it and in case they didn't enjoy it.
Cynder took the glass into her claw- such dangerous things which Spyro had seen tear Grublins apart, now so gently hold the glass as she tilted it back to have her first sip of wine.
She seemed to mill over the taste, giving it an approving nod.
"Not bad…not what I'm used to but when all I've been limited to is water for so long…I could get used to some variety." She snickered. Spyro would try some soon after, pouring himself a glass of the red liquid as well. Almost as soon as it met his tongue he recoiled a bit.
"It's a liquid that…tastes dry? Bleh…" He shook his head as he poured it out behind himself. "Not my thing…I'll stick to water." He'd say, getting the small vase of water as he'd pour himself some water from it. He would then reach into the basket and pulled out a pair of items wrapped in cloth. He'd unroll the cloth to reveal a pair of cooked deer steaks.
"Oh wow…it smells delicious!" Cynder smiled.
"Well then…dig in." He smiles, leaning down to bite into his steak, Cynder doing the same now.
Little did they note, in passing, there were a set of icy blue, golden, and emerald eyes studying the two as they dined together.
"Oooooh, they're so cute together!" Galacion said in a giddy tone.
"Alright calm down princess, I know you're still proud about helping Storm and Eletara get together but there's no need to explode." Granite let out a chuckle, bapping her with one of his massive wings.
"Hard to believe those two dragons just a couple weeks ago saved the entire world…doing something as simple as going on a date together for the first time…they deserve this." Emera said with a gentle smile.
"Indeed…they also deserve some privacy…let's scoot and leave them to it." Galacion said with a smile as she ushered the others along, doing their best to avoid being seen by Spyro and Cynder as they feasted together, leaving the two young-adult dragons to their date together.
For now, as the sun began to set and the celestial moons began to grow closer to rising, the purple and black dragons simply ate together and enjoyed one another's company.
Spyro and Cynder simply lay side by side on the blanket, their meal long since finished, glasses empty…they simply sat in silent appreciation of one another's company. Their tails had managed to find themselves twirled together, his right wing draped over her back. Their eyes studied the expansive sky above as the celestial moons began to light up the ground beneath the sky.
Cynder's emerald eyes twinkled as she studied the starry sky above them, taking in the breathtaking view of millions of stars shining overhead now. It was one thing to witness a sunrise and sunset in Warfang…but to now actually take in and appreciate the view of the starry night sky, like a black-blue canvas overhead…stunning.
"It's so pretty…" Cynder said with a soft sigh, Spyro nodding in agreement.
"Almost as pretty as you are." Spyro said with a cheeky grin as she diverted her gaze to meet his own, a brow rising incredulously.
"Now I know we've reached the point of the date Galacion didn't help with." She jests, leaning over to give him a quick lick on the cheek. "But thank you…the starry moonlight brings out your handsome face." She said happily.
"Okay, I see it now…I'm not very good at making compliments that aren't stupidly corny." He lets out a little laugh, rubbing the back of his neck.
"No…but I love that too." She smiles, nuzzling into him, the purple dragon returning the moment of affection…but seeing the stars and then looking at her…it reminded him of something he had almost forgotten.
"Just a moment." He pulled away, depriving her of his warmth in that moment, leaving the black dragoness to contemplate some things as he started to rummage around in the basket…her mind drifted to what they had learned earlier that day regarding Magnacia agreeing to take on the mantle as fire guardian.
It was eating away at her, to be frank, hiding it from Spyro…she wanted to tell him so badly, to warn him of what was to come soon.
But she found herself hesitating…which she'd come to regret.
When Spyro returned, he set down a wooden box before her, a red bow on it.
"I got you something…as a gift. I've never given you anything before and I figure now is as good a time as any." He smiled, offering her the box now. She stared at it with wide eyes, blinking a little before she glanced back at him.
"S-spyro this is too much…" She'd say, almost as though she'd refuse the gift…her heart was thumping quickly out of glee but also anxiety. She had to tell him…she had to!
"Please, just open it." He smiled, she'd sigh and meet his request as she slowly opened the box…recognizing the branding from Ders' shop, she knew she was in for a surprise to be sure.
And she was most certainly surprised!
Inside the box was lined with red velvet- and resting within it was a silver necklace-styled choker, like elegant swirls which were designed to fit around the neck comfortably and not too tight- several studded inlays as well as a central rounded emerald drew all eyes to it. She could hardly believe what she was seeing…glancing back up to Spyro now with an awed look.
"Spyro…you…I-." Her voice caught in her throat a little.
"You didn't have a full set yet so I wanted to help you complete it." He smiled, reaching down to lift it from the box now, to which she darted her gaze from him to the choker-necklace. "May I?"
She just gave him a quick nod, to which he'd lean in slowly to slowly adorn it around her long neck near the crest of her chest below the end of her neck. He'd carefully do his best to accommodate for her, slowly clasping the metal chain and hook which held it in place, letting it snap closed and seal to her- the magic starting to work as the piece of jewelry started to shift in size to fit her perfectly- just like her other pieces she got from Ders.
She glances down at it, sliding one of her delicate claws over the necklace's emerald inlay now, the jewel shining into her eye and reflecting the color now, before looking back at Spyro. Without another word, the black dragoness threw her forepaws around Spyro, pulling him in to a tight hug, wings closing around his back now as she held him close.
"Thank you…" She said so quietly, just loud enough for him to hear now.
But something was weighing on her...between the lovely date he had just put together for her, the beautiful gift…it was killing her a little inside to hide from him.
No…no hiding this. She'd be honest with him…he should know.
"Spyro…" She said softly, pulling away from him now, he took quick note that her face had turned somber now.
"Cynder? What's wrong?" He asked softly, resting a paw under her chin to tilt her back towards him.
"Spyro…I need to tell you something…something I heard after the votes ended. It involves Terrador and Magnacia." Cynder said somberly, Spyro's brow raising immediately at her shift in tone.
"What is it?" He asked.
The doors of the guardian tower flew open as Spyro stormed past the doors, and sure enough- standing in a circle were the other three guardians and Magnacia stood before them, her head bowed as they draped a cloth over her back. It was a bright crimson-hued red with an orange border and the symbol of fire stitched in orange.
The four older dragons were all startled as the door opened, Spyro storming inside now with Cynder quickly in tow.
"Spyro, I agree you have a right to be mad, but this isn't the way to handle this!" Cynder tried to make him stop, but the purple dragon wasn't listening to her at this point.
"Guardians, you all have some explaining to do!" Spyro shouted, causing Terrador to twitch some out of the sheer anger in Spyro's voice. None of them had ever seen Spyro this way, Cyril and Volteer were a bit out of the loop but upon seeing Spyro here, Terrador and Magnacia knew immediately what had Spyro so furious.
"Spyro, I swear to you we wouldn't hide this from any of you without good reason!" Terrador tried to slow Spyro down, but he still marched furiously towards them before stopping just feet away from their gathering, Cynder slinking low out of fear of what may happen.
"Now see here young dragon, you may be purple dragon but that does not give you the right to storm in here and act this rashly!" Cyril frowned, but quickly received a tail-swat from Volteer.
"What my pompous ice-brained colleague means to say young Spyro is that while we're always welcome to have your presence and counsel, there are procedures which must be followed before entering the chamber of the guardians." Volteer tried to affirm Spyro, taking a gentler approach with the purple dragon.
"Enough, both of you…this is about the ceremony…I knew this wasn't a good idea." Magnacia let out a heavy sigh, feeling Spyro's anger and betrayal in his eyes weigh on her shoulders, Terrador felt it too.
"What right do you have to hide the fact from me that you're trying to replace Ignitus?!" Spyro barked, causing Cynder to shrink even lower, his tone once again catching Cyril and Volteer by surprise.
"Spyro…you must understand young warrior, the Guardian Order cannot continue to operate without all members present. We had to find a suitable replacement for Ignitus…that was why we had Flame, Ember, and Ignius practicing in the academy district…we were testing Magnacia's training regime to judge if she could fit the role well enough to temporarily fill in as fire guardian." Terrador explained, but his explanation seemed to anger Spyro even further.
"So that's all then? Replace Ignitus just like that? Before his funeral has even happened, you fill the role?!" Spyro shot back, Magnacia's eyes slamming shut at the mention of her husband.
"This needs to be done young dragon, by our order's old laws we must fill the role or be disbanded. The world of dragons is in too fragile of a state for us to disband, we're still needed, when Ignitus left me to take charge of the guardians, there was a chance he knew he wouldn't return…he knew I'd do my duty and see the guardians whole again." Terrador tried to remain as calm, trying to not let his emotions get the better of him…but he felt for Spyro.
"But…but no one can replace him! It was Ignitus' role…he-!" Spyro coughed on his own voice, trying to make the words come out and he just couldn't seem to manage them.
"This isn't easy for me either…" Magnacia spoke up now, reopening her eyes to meet Spyro's own, a single tear rolling down her crimson scales.
"To know that I have been asked to take my husband's place…before I've even gotten to see him be honored for his noble sacrifice. It is killing me to know I'll never see him again, to know that I'll forever have to look back and stand where he should be standing now after the end of the war he fought so hard to put a stop to. I…I don't know if I can do this…I'll never be worthy to be a guardian, Terrador…" She shuddered out, voice trembling some.
"Spyro…maybe we should…we shouldn't be so quick to condemn this." Cynder said softly, trying to ease Spyro's anger some…she knew what such anger could lead to and this wasn't the time nor place to explain what happened at the Well of Souls three years ago to the guardians…not yet.
Before Spyro could speak again, the door opened once more as a mole came rushing in.
"By the Ancestors, what now?!" Cyril barked, the mole panting, clearly having run up the stairs of the tower as he held a tiny piece of paper in his hands, to which he offered up towards Terrador as he ran past Spyro and Cynder now.
"M'lords…message from the Bird's Nest, a falcon came and delivered this message." The mole panted. Terrador would reach down and pluck the piece of paper from their hand, gesturing to one of the side doors.
"Take water…thank you for bringing this to us." He said simply, the mole quickly rushing off to do as he had ordered. Meanwhile, Terrador would unfurl the tiny piece of paper, studying it with one eye as all the others in the room waited for him to read off what the note said.
Terrador's face seemed to drain in color a little as he finished reading…crumpling up the note with concerned eyes.
"Hunter and his party have been captured." Terrador said in a low, shuddering tone.
This chapter was all over the place, and I do apologize for that. There were just a lot of things to cover and I didn't wanna leave any of them out for the coming chapters as I'm getting close to finish what is effectively Act I of this story before moving onto Act II, we're getting there. Hopefully I can get the willpower to make the next chapter in better time than the last. Thank you for reading, R&R!